Introduction to Computer Classes

The computer world has been on a quick and steady uprise, especially with the expansion of popular technologies such as laptops, cell phones, Bluetooth, portable media players, and tablet computers. With technology constantly changing and becoming more a part of our lives, it is essential for even the most novice users to be up-to-date with these products. Even if one isn't computer savvy, taking introductory computer classes at any accredited college can open up new possibilities.

For the Beginners

For the novice, a first glance at a computer and its parts can seem overwhelming, but once acquainted with this universal technical device, it will likely become second nature. To get started, the beginner has to know the basic components of a computer to operate it.

Computer Classes in Basic Keyboarding and Utilization of a Mouse

For example, in order to use a computer, one has to learn the basic functions of a mouse and a keyboard. These devices are essential in interactivity and inputting information, whether it's to type papers on a word processing program, surfing the Internet, or playing video games. Computer classes in basic keyboarding or basic utilization of a mouse are offered in various colleges and schools.

Howard Community College offers courses in “Computer Basics,” including an “Introduction to Keyboarding” class. Northwestern Michigan College, through its NMC Extended Education, also offers “Basic Computer Skills” classes, as well as a “Beginning Computers” course in which students not only are instructed on the use of a mouse, but novices also learn common computer jargon, how to cut, copy, and paste text in a word processing program, and how to conduct basic computer procedures on Windows.

Basics on Microsoft Windows Operating System

Windows is Microsoft's premier operating system (OS) and graphical user interface, which allows users to interact with various applications on the main graphics screen of a computer known as a desktop. The updated version of this OS is Windows 7, and since this is the premier latest in OS technology, many schools are getting on the bandwagon to offer computer classes under this heading. Guilford Technical Community College provides introductory courses under the titles “Introduction to Windows 7” and “Introduction to Windows 7 for Seniors,” with the latter being offered, of course, to older adults.

Being Introduced to Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office is a software suite consisting of various desktop applications which generally allow users to work in the office or at home. Tasks such as composing letters and correspondence, creating presentations, or sending and receiving email can be performed at one's fingertips. Beginning computer classes in Microsoft (MS) Office can be offered as a whole in the form of an overview of each bundled package application, or instruction can be offered seperately for each program, with Word and Excel both being the more commonly and popularly offered courses. Blue Ridge Community College offers both MS Word and MS Excel as part of their Absolutely Beginning Computing(ABC) Workshop courses, while Countrywide Training offers a long list of computer classes, including various courses in MS Office, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint, MS Access, and MS Outlook.

As for Outlook, another desktop application of MS Office suite, it usually comes in the form of an unwritten email, and it allows you to send and receive email, schedule meetings, organize appointments and tasks, keep journals, and create custom address books. Beginners will find courses for this application very beneficial, especially if they want to use email. Besides Countrywide Training, Portland Community College (PCC) also offers an introductory course of MS Outlook , which teaches novices not only the basics of this personal information manager, but also the Outlook skills necessary for use in business environments.

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